Where do you stand?

[dbsfgyd1]

Tonight my band played a party and it occurred to me that I have just always fallen in on the right side of the drummer. I've noticed that bass players generally, but not always, hang out to the right of the drums. Anyone hang out on the left? And would there be any reasons regarding acoustics or sound that I am overlooking as a reason to favor the bass on one side or the other?

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I’m right sider myself, next to the drummer. I want to see as much of the band as possible while being able to sight down the neck of my bass. I also want the the Keyboardist to my right so he (or she) can also see as much of the band as well.

 

[Brad Maestas]

I have no real preference on side. It’s only important that I’m able to get my amp close to them if they have no monitor.

 

[thabassmon]

In a band situation I prefer to be on the high hat side.

 

[Thundertips]

Tonight my band played a party and it occurred to me that I have just always fallen in on the right side of the drummer. I've noticed that bass players generally, but not always, hang out to the right of the drums. Anyone hang out on the left? And would there be any reasons regarding acoustics or sound that I am overlooking as a reason to favor the bass on one side or the other?

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I've always stood on the right and I have no idea why... Haha.

 

[Road Hat]

Definitely drummer’s left side, for most of the same reasons already stated. Biggest reason for me not being on their right is that the ride and crash cymbals will relentlessly pummel me all night.

 

[Pet Sounds]

I've often heard the bassist should be on the drummer's left, but I've almost always been on the right for some reason.

 

[Deleted member 165050]

I prefer stage left. There's generally fewer cymbals that side so it's quieter. I'd prefer to put drummers in acoustically-sealed enclosures but apparently they don't like it.

 

[spantini]

My experiences have been nearly 50/50. Strange now that I think back on it.. the first half of my gigs, the staging was left up to the band and I always took the drummer's left - as we were set up in practice sessions. The latter series of gigs, things were more organized with FOH and my DIs were on the drummer's right.

I prefer drummer's left.

 

[spantini]

... I'd prefer to put drummers in acoustically-sealed enclosures but apparently they don't like it.

 

[The Thinker]

I prefer stage left. I like to move on stage, and it’s easy to whack a singer in the eye when you are immediately to his/her right.

Um...or so I’m told...

 

[Koog]

I like to be on the highhat side of the drummer. If he/she is righthanded, that's to the left. If the drummer is a leftie, then it's to the right side. Lots of good cues to be had off the highhats.

As others have said, it also tends to keep the headstock out of cymbals.

Koog

 

[skwee]

In a band, to the drummer's left. Keeps my headstock out of the way. In the pit, wherever the singers can see me (and I use my Steinberger for those, so I don't hit anyone on the back of the head!)

 

[WoodyJ]

Also, always left of the drummer.

 

[nixdad]

Tonight my band played a party and it occurred to me that I have just always fallen in on the right side of the drummer. I've noticed that bass players generally, but not always, hang out to the right of the drums. Anyone hang out on the left? And would there be any reasons regarding acoustics or sound that I am overlooking as a reason to favor the bass on one side or the other?

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Always the opposite side for me. I'm deaf in my left ear, so I always need to have the drums/percussion on my right.

 

[spantini]

We played one small club where the stage was just a small platform in the corner next to the hallway leading to the johns. I was stuck on the drummer's left with my Hofner's neck performing as a toll gate arm across the hallway entrance. The whole night, I looked like I was dancing to an R&B horn section that wasn't there.. LOL!

 

[bassliner50]

Betwwen the drums (hi hat side) and pianist. Where I belong in a horn band.

 

[smarthound]

Another vote for being on the drummer's left.

 

[Curtbass]

Always to drummers right if I can help it. I hear better with my left ear

 

[juancaminos]

I'll play either side. But for years I was to the right of the drummer because our guitar player likes the left side.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I've done both. As long as I can see the high hat, and can get my foot against a bass drum peg (I've had a few gigs where the stage sound was so bad, I had to do that to "feel" my way through), I'm good.